Croydon (Parliament Politics Magazine) – Two men have been sentenced to prison for murdering Rijkaard Siafa, who was fatally stabbed in an alley near Croydon market in a shocking act of violence.
For the murder of Rijkaard Siafa, Rammon Mali, 33, of Valley Road, Croydon, and David Walcott, 35, of Turle Road, Norbury, were both given 27-year prison terms.
After a five-week trial, the two showed up at the Old Bailey today (April 17) to be sentenced.
On April 12 of last year, Rijkaard was discovered stabbed in Fellmongers Yard, Croydon, following a stabbing alarm to emergency services.
Before emergency personnel, including London’s Air Ambulance, arrived, members of the public tried to provide first aid, and he passed away at the scene thirty minutes later.
The court heard how Rijkaard was stabbed thirteen times while he was on his way to see his partner after leaving a friend’s apartment close to Fellmongers Yard.
After ordering three pints of beer, Walcott and Mali ran from the scene of the altercation into a Katharine Street bar.
The two acknowledged the crime scene throughout the trial, but they maintained that they were not the only ones who stabbed Rijkaard.
After reviewing over 100 hours of CCTV footage, authorities initiated an investigation and were able to identify Walcott and Mali.
On April 19, 2024, Walcott was taken into custody at a residence on Lewin Road in Streatham. The following day, he was charged with murder.
Victim survivors often describe feeling alienated or re-victimized by the criminal justice system as a result of the sentencing process, and that the sentencing does not erase their loss. The emotional toll of losing a loved one to violence frequently lasts long after sentencing, yet positive interactions with the prosecution or courteous treatment during proceedings might help in coping.
Mali left the nation a few days after the murder, and when he returned on May 5, 2024, he was caught at Gatwick Airport and charged with murder the following day.
The jury unanimously decided that they were both guilty.
Hassanatu Bah, Rijkaard’s mother, said:
“Anyone who knew Rijkaard would tell you how truly special he was. He had a soul so gentle and a heart so kind that his love and care touched everyone around him.
His dreams were big, his zest for life unmatched. He was driven by hope and ambition, and his future was filled with endless possibilities – dreams that were cruelly stolen from him.
But let me assure you, Rijkaard’s story doesn’t end here. I will carry his torch for as long as I live. Everything he dreamed of, everything he wanted to accomplish, I would do my best to see it through. His name will not be forgotten.”
Det Chf Insp Samantha Townsend, from the Met’s Specialist Crime Command, said:
“Our thoughts very much remain with Rijkaard’s family and friends, who had to re-live the last traumatic moments of his young life during the trial after the defendants failed to take responsibility for their actions.
The defendants acted together, as a team. They had been looking for Rijkaard during the afternoon of Friday, 12 April and when they found him, they viciously attacked him.
It’s clear Walcott and Mali are dangerous and unpredictable individuals and I am relieved they will remain behind bars for a significant period of time.”
She said that she is extremely grateful to those who have come forward so far, however Jordan Vincent remains wanted for the murder of Rijkaard Siafa and my team remains determined to bring all of those responsible to justice.
She is appealing to people to dig deep into their consciences and assist us with the whereabouts of Jordan Vincent.
There is a £10,000 reward available for information which leads to his arrest and conviction. If you have any information, no matter how insignificant you may think it is – get in contact, it could be crucial.
Locals can submit data, pictures, or video to the Public Portal: https://mipp.police.uk/operation/01MPS24W40-PO1.
Call 0208 721 4961 and mention Op Biscot if you have any information or video.
Call the independent charity Crimestoppers at 0800 555 111 or go to Crimestoppers-uk.org to be completely anonymous.
What measures are being taken to ensure the third suspect is caught?
In an effort to promote public cooperation and tip-offs, a £10,000 prize has been offered for information that results in the arrest and conviction of Jordan Vincent, the third suspect.
In order to verify or rule out leads, police investigations entail following the whereabouts and movements of suspects using data from national authorities and specialized services.
The purpose of disseminating information and alerts about the suspect is to raise public and law enforcement awareness.
Law enforcement organizations organize operational support, which includes logistical plans to enable capture and transport as well as legal and technological protocols for arrest and surrender.
In order to find and apprehend the perpetrator, police are still actively pursuing leads through continuous investigation and surveillance.